Sheng-Ning-Hai Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials made a significant discovery during a routine inspection of the bulk carrier 'Sheng Ning Hai' at the Port of Baltimore, which had just docked on January 21, 2026. The inspection involved CBP officers boarding the vessel to verify compliance with currency reporting regulations. During this procedural check, it was revealed that the vessel's captain had failed to report any currency aboard. Although the master had previously submitted a declaration in Maine, the omission raised alarms among the inspectors. Under U.S. law, while travelers can carry unlimited amounts of currency, any sum exceeding $10,000 must be documented on a U.S. Treasury Department Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments form. In an earlier port call at Searsport, Maine, the captain had filed a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) 105 form, disclosing $34,480. However, it was uncovered that the vessel’s agent had also provided an additional $40,000 to the captain while in Maine. The following day, CBP officers conducted a more extensive examination of the 'Sheng Ning Hai'. This meticulous search led to the discovery of $70,737 stored in the purser's safe. Due to the absence of a proper report for the funds, the cash was officially seized by the officers. After the inspection, the bulk carrier was allowed to depart, continuing its voyage to Mombasa, with an estimated time of arrival set for February 25.